How to Answer: Describe a situation when you negotiated terms with a tough customer.
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Sales job interview.
14. Describe a situation when you negotiated terms with a tough customer.
How to Answer
This question may seem highly specific and could throw you off during the interview, but don't let it. Be prepared for precise situational questions. It's very likely you've had some experience negotiating or dealing with a demanding customer. If you have not, draw on a time that you had to settle with a difficult partner in a group project, a teammate, or a coach/professor.
Be sure to share an instance that highlights your identification of the point of contention, what steps you took to share your side and get them to see your point of view, and how you resolved the issue. Share lessons learned from the experience that will be of value as you move into your next role.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Entry Level
"I can't say I have negotiated a whole lot with a tough customer because the restaurant where I work says that the customer is always right, but I've certainly handled a disgruntled customer that is unhappy with me or the food. I am still sure to take their concerns and complaints seriously, clarify the "why" of the complaints to understand their side and address what we can do to help improve the situation for them and make them a loyal customer. I know what an important opportunity it is to win a lifelong customer when you "wow" with an experience that was otherwise a sour one."
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"When I was working as a recruiter I had a client ask for a refund for their candidate placement when the individual quit their job after just six months. My company had a 3-month guarantee where we would replace the individual, at no additional cost. However, six months was a stretch. The client was unhappy, and I valued their business, so I offered half off replacement search with a 6-month guarantee. They agreed, and we moved forward with the search. Rules and parameters are important to have, but I firmly believe that you need to be flexible at times to gain long-term relationships and long-term clients."
Written by Rachelle Enns
Experienced
"I currently work in a global sales capacity where many of my clients have multiple business units. I aim to have all of these business units cohesively using our product. With that comes meaningful negotiations with tough high-level executives. The largest deal that I have closed this year was with Company ABC for 1,500 units amounting to approximately $2.5M."
Written by Rachelle Enns